PLASMA IS… sometimes called the “Fourth State
of Matter.” Most people know about three states of
matter: solids, liquids and gases. However, plasma
is another form of matter that is far more common
than all the other states of matter put together.
Solid
Liquid
Gas
Plasma
What is a plasma? A plasma is a gas that contains
electrically charged particles — enough charged
particles to significantly affect its electrical properties
and behavior. A plasma is created when gas atoms
are “ionized” or broken into positively charged parts
(ions) and negatively charged parts (electrons).
Although gaseous in nature, plasmas behave very
differently from uncharged gases such as the air
we breathe or the steam that comes from a kettle.
Coalition for Plasma Science
The objective of the Coalition for
Plasma Science is to increase public
awareness and understanding of
plasma science and its many applications
and benefits for society.
Members of the Coalition include
many well known universities, national
laboratories, professional organizations
and companies.
The type of atoms comprising a plasma and
the percentage of atoms ionized, temperatures,
pressures and other conditions in the plasma
determine its nature.
For example, atoms that are combined (or fused)
together in extremely hot plasmas in the sun or a
fusion reactor create large amounts of energy. At
lower temperatures and pressures, plasmas can
be used to produce the microscopic channels and
conducting surfaces in semiconductor chips.
In space, plasma exists in relatively diffuse
forms such as nebulas and in more condensed and
hotter forms such as stars or supernovas. On earth,
plasmas with an incredibly wide variety of useful
characteristics
impact almost all
facets of our lives
and economy.
The picture on
the other side
of this brochure
illustrates just a
few examples.
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
Visit our web site at
http://www.plasmacoalition.org
Call toll free
1-877-PLASMAS (1-877-752-7627)
Or e-mail us at
[email protected]
Plasma processing is used in the
manufacturing of today’s computer chips.
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